This is not the time for MDP to rejoice, but to learn and reform

If we look only at the results of Saturday’s major elections, what we see is a great success for the MDP. It will certainly bring life back to a failing party. Rather than becoming arrogant and celebrating, this result is something from which the MDP should gain insight and learn lesson from.

On Saturday, the MDP defended the mayorships of the five cities in the Maldives: Male', Addu, Fuvahmulah, Kulhudhuffushi, and Thinadhoo. They also swept up a majority of seats in city and island councils, as well as many seats in women’s development committees. This victory can be seen as a revival of an enduring love for the MDP. But deeper scrutiny reveals this is more likely a rejection of the incumbent administration by disillusioned voters, rather than direct votes to MDP.

To understand the true nature of this success, one must look at the MDP's recent history. In 2023, when then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih campaigned for re-election, his administration flouted principles in favor of securing votes. A clear example of this was the free distribution of land in Hulhumalé, which was being developed under a specific plan, and the allocation of plots from lagoons near Male' that had not yet been reclaimed. Along with this came decisions like an abrupt hike in the purchase price for fish, and the creation and distribution of jobs through state-owned companies. However, these were decisions that the people did not get behind.

The people rejected the MDP in both the 2023 presidential elections, as well as the 2024 parliamentary elections. The people still remembered the many missteps the MDP administration took. The party grew weak after its defeat, especially after former President Mohamed Nasheed and his loyalists walked out of the MDP following differences with Solih, dealing a heavy blow to the party’s morale. But Nasheed, after failing to achieve much success on his own, has since rejoined the MDP, bringing new life to the party.

Unlike the preceding two campaigns, the MDP leadership, including Nasheed and Solih, was seen working together. Nasheed’s tours of the islands, in particular, relit the previous zeal and passion among general members of the party.

As a result, Male' Mayor Adam Azim, Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar, Fuvahmulah City Mayor Ismail Rafeeq, Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor Mohamed Athif, and Thinadhoo City Mayor Saud Ali all managed to defend their seats and win a second term. Truly a significant win for the MDP.

Growing disillusionment

The results cannot be credited to MDP’s “brilliance” alone. The results reveal growing disillusionment among the general public regarding the incumbent administration. The people gave the administration both the presidency and a supermajority in the Parliament, in the hopes of seeing national development and prosperity. But what they are witnessing are attempts to consolidate powers.

Like its predecessors, the PNC administration also distributed jobs through state-owned companies, launched projects to boost popularity ahead of elections, while compromising sustainable development. The administration has also taken numerous decisions riddled with economic inconsistencies, such as the waiving of two years of the rent on Hiyaa flats. Making promises to fulfil undelivered promises served to deepen public distrust.

The incumbent administration, in particular, has become known as the epitome of words over action. Pledges on top of pledges, but little of actual substance. The lack of results is particularly frustrating considering the exorbitant spending by the government. It is the same in the Parliament. Instead of using the supermajority voters gave to draft laws for reform and betterment of the country, the legislative assembly is busy rubberstamping the government’s decisions. This served to deepen public disillusionment.

A new chance for MDP

The people have granted a new opportunity to the MDP, which appeared on the cusp of vanishing into obscurity.  Re-election of mayors, in particular, is something that is rarely seen in the Maldivian political landscape. The message this sends the MDP is that the people want the party to be a strong opposition and hold the government in check.

It would be a mistake if the MDP treats this win as an ego booster. The biggest challenge facing the party is to implement internal reforms. The last MDP administration engaged in many acts in complete contravention of the party’s founding principles. This is clear from the audit reports of Fenaka Corporation alone. The way the 4,000 flats built during the administration was issued close to the elections also drew serious allegations of corruption.

There are major allegations, as well as evidence, that MDP's members of Parliament and those in senior positions during the MDP administration obtained illicit wealth. However, these individuals remain in the front ranks of the party. The results of elections prove that the people do not accept corruption. Therefore, these corrupt individuals must be removed from the front ranks of the party.

The MDP was founded in 2003 against theft and corruption; against consolidating powers; against gaining illicit benefits from state treasury; and with the noble purpose of providing a prosperous life for the people. But today, there are numerous individuals in the front ranks of the MDP who act in direct contravention to these founding principles. Removing these individuals is a necessary task for the party to be reformed.

We are beginning to see the previous passion within the MDP. A party, that had grown increasingly weak, has gained new life, especially with Nasheed’s return. However, this vitality can only be sustained if the MDP holds on to its true values. Especially by rejecting all paths to corruption. The people will say “no” again in the future, otherwise. If they want to use this opportunity given by the people and maintain the people's love and trust, the MDP must serve with sincerity. The misuse of state resources and property must stop. As a political party, they must advocate for providing a good life for the people, and prove this with action.